Hong Kong Observatory Downgrades Red Rainstorm Warning to Amber
Quick Look
- The Hong Kong Observatory downgraded its red rainstorm warning to amber within an hour, after the initial warning led to the suspension of afternoon classes.
- The forecaster switched signals three times in 90 minutes on Friday.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Hong Kong Observatory issued and then downgraded a red rainstorm warning to amber within an hour on Friday, leading to the suspension of afternoon classes.
The Hong Kong Observatory has downgraded the red rainstorm warning to amber within an hour of issuing it, after the warning prompted the suspension of afternoon classes.
The forecaster switched rainstorm signals three times within 90 minutes on Friday, reissuing the amber signal at 1.20pm to replace the red signal put up at 12.15pm, which forced the suspension of afternoon classes. It had issued the first amber signal of the day at 11.50am.
“Areas of intense thundery showers are developing and affecting Hong Kong,” it said, urging the public to stay away from watercourses and take necessary precautions, as heavy rain could trigger flash floods in low-lying or poorly drained areas.
Rain was particularly heavy in the New Territories, especially in Tai Po and Sai Kung.
The Education Bureau said afternoon lessons were cancelled, but schools should remain open and only dismiss students after confirming it was safe to do so. It added that any classes already in progress should continue as normal until the end of the school day.
Open Questions
- Will there be further signal changes?
- What is the extent of the flooding?
